TRANSPORTATION IN AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam has become one of the most visited European destinations that attract the tourists from all over the world. This attraction is due to its unique combination of history, cuisine, entertainment and excellent transport network. A number of attractive destinations in Amsterdam amuse the tourists a lot. It is filled with colors of traditional look including museums that tells the history and oldest botanical garden as Hortus Botanicus as well as modern, relaxing and exciting sight seeing adventures as world famous night life, numerous romantic coastal areas, gardens and wonderful architecture.

Amsterdam is famous for one of the finest and reliable system of transportation. It is a city with little road traffic so it’s pleasing to visit here on foot. Many other transport sources are available to visit within and around Amsterdam, which are also easy to use. These sources include buses, trams, metros, canal boats and bicycles. Trams are the best source to travel within Amsterdam, at the same time bike is the fastest mean because of the narrow areas. Locals here prefer to use bicycles to travel. It is said that true view of the city could be experienced with walking or bicycling as many of the streets in Amsterdam are narrow and certain lanes are even reserved for bicycles. Driving within the ring canal may turn into a torment, thus highly discouraged. It is better to park the vehicles on the outskirts of the city, as parking in Amsterdam is expensive.

Arrive At Amsterdam -

Fast moving metros, trains and buses are also available at central station and Schiphol International Airport or to travel from Amsterdam to other parts of the country. A public transport company GVB runs these sources. For longer journey ‘Strippenkart ticket’ is also available having a number of strips. This is a standard ticket for bus, tram and metro. These tickets are stamped in the machines when entered in the metro or by the conductor on entrance in tram or bus. These are not valid for train trips to Schiphol but are valid for bus journey.

Then canal cruises are also accessible that show the unique view of the old town and its attractive buildings. In addition to this water taxis, trams and bicycles are also available for longer excursions. Water taxis, canal bus and canal cruises could be hired from docks that are located at the Central station. Direct rail link is the most quickest and easiest way to reach city center from Schiphol International Airport. Trains leave in the interval of every 10 minutes from the platform. Besides these airport shuttles also leaves every 10 minutes to deliver passenger at different destinations throughout the city.

Amsterdam is small city where destinations are usually not far apart. Most of the attractions are at the walking distance from the center. Here are some modes of transportation that could be used to visit the place –

Travel Amsterdam

Airlines – Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol) is one of the largest in Europe and has regular direct connections with just about every other major European city. You can also reach Amsterdam (perhaps at a lower cost) by first flying to nearby airports Rotterdam and Eindhoven and then taking an onward bus journey on one of the express bus services (approximately 90 minutes).These airports are better serviced by low cost airlines such as Ryanair and Transavia. Low Cost Airlines Guide - 'Low Cost Airlines Guide' has a great tool for finding which airlines fly on a particular route.

Trains –

Trains are the easy source of public transport system. There are many railway stations in Amsterdam and thus it also plays an important role in urban public transport. This is the cheapest form if you are leaving Amsterdam. Tickets could be bought through ticket machines.

Trams –

It is the most important mode of public transportation in Amsterdam, if you visiting to outlying areas of the city to reach Amsterdam arena. There is a perfect tramline network and most of the trams move from central station to the city areas in the east, south and west. The other lines connect the other city areas. Trams take the form of dominant public transport in the city center. Several tramlines are connected with these lines to reach certain destination. One can find the tramlines leaving the Central Station every few minutes.

Buses -

Bus network is another extensive public transport system. It is very useful especially at night when other transport system is not in service. At that time night buses are available that runs with the connection to central station and covers most of destination points inside and some of the locations outside the city. Even for many of the regional bus lines, Amsterdam is the starting point.

Metros -

Public transport system of Amsterdam includes metros that are mainly used by the locals to travel between suburbs. Metros are the most efficient way to visit outer limits of Amsterdam. Underground metro is an interesting source available from central station to Amstelstation. Metro tunnel is also there for Sneltram to Amstelveen, South of Amsterdam.

Ferry -

Ferries are the cheap source to visit Amsterdam’s harbor areas. Although visitors don’t require the service of ferry much as there are a few hotels in the Northern part of the city yet ride could be taken for fun. These are connected with the city area across the I J called Amsterdan Noord and are a good source for pedestrians and cyclists.

Taxis -

In addition to this taxis and limos are also available that takes the visitors directly to there accommodation. To hire a taxi, taxi stands are present at most tourist places. The taxis with blue number plates are legal. Although taxis leave the tourist to their accommodation but they are expensive and have meter. Bicycle taxis are present in the city center that is cheaper than normal taxis. Taxis could be ordered from the Taxicentrale or nearby taxi rank.

Canal Boats -

Canal Boats can help you to view the attractions of the city pleasantly. One can enjoy the sightseeing while listening the historical commentary. These boats depart in the time interval of about every 40 minutes and covers about 3 routes and 14 stops in total.

Museum Boats -

This is also based on the same concept as canal boat. It covers many stations as Central Station, Prinsengracht, Leidseplein, Herengracht, Muziektheater and the East Dock. Tickets could be purchased easily and that also includes half ticket entry price to most of the museums. These offer a shuttle service that links 20 museums and sightseeing attractions.

Bikes -

It is a wonderful and amazing experience to spend the day exploring the streets of Amsterdam by bike. Bikes can also be rented. Among them Yellow bikes are the most popular one. Discount may be given for longer rentals.

Bicycles -

This is the best way to view the true spirit of Amsterdam. It is still the typical Dutch mode of transportation. Many of the cycle ways are designated to reach different destinations.

Walking -

Amsterdam has a village feel and well known as a walk-able city. Walking is the best way to getting around. Most of the museums and attraction in Amsterdam are situated close to each other so it is easy as well as comfortable to view the sightseeing on foot. It is better to carry a basic street map while visiting the city on foot. These are available at Tourist Information Offices.

       It is better to use the cheap, fantastic and efficient public transport system to move around Amsterdam that makes it easier to reach correct destination in due time. Tickets for bus, tram and metro service could be bought from automatic dispensers on the bus, tram and metro conductors or news- stand. The tickets could be purchased at any major train station at GVB office or from driver and conductors. Ticket information related to public transport could be collected from GVB ticket office located opposite to central station. It is cheaper to buy the tickets before boarding.

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